Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them Summary & Study Guide Description

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Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them by James Garbarino.

Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them by James Garbarino, Ph.D. was a study of the increase of violence in the United States of America from inner-city to small-town. It focused specifically on troubled young men who served time for violence that led to fatalities. Garbarino offered insight into methods society could use to recognize and respond to help troubled youth and decrease violence.

In the 1990s, media showed a haunting trend. There was a dramatic increase in homicides by troubled youth spreading through the American heartland. Safety was no longer a given for children going to school anywhere. Looking into history and interviewing the incarcerated young men associated with lethal violence offered clues to common denominator, which could be addressed to decrease violence in the nation.

In the first part of the book, Garbarino highlighted reasons that boys get lost. Using specific examples (with changed names to protect identities), he demonstrated circumstances and events that led up to the lethal killing that led to each young man's incarceration. Shame, depression, rejection, and neglect were common factors amongst the perpetrators. Children who didn't have a positive role model and felt vulnerable often lashed out via bad behavior. Young men seeking acceptance often found it from negative influences who initiated and furthered their criminal career. Many of the troubled youth also had a skewed form of justice and morality.

All was not lost, however, and the second part of the book focused on ways to help the "lost boys". When people take the time to look around them and study the behavior of boys who are causing trouble, they have the opportunity to intercept. Instead of just judging the boys, people can look at the boys lives to see what needs can be met to help the boys.

The author reflected on his own youth, recognizing that he was on a path to trouble. he also remembered that he had a support system that intervened and taught him that the behavior wasn't acceptable. He had a role models that showed him the correct way to behave socially, and he knew that he had people who care for him. He also had opportunities to get involved in community and school activities, and he was taught to believe in God. He had a solid anchor, and that helped him make choices that did not harm society.

It wasn't an easy task, but the author suggested that it is possible to reclaim lost boys and even nip some of the negative behaviors in the bud by becoming the anchor for some of the "lost boys". Some of the boys needed just one person in their life who will truly love them. Others needed someone they could trust. Some needed security and guidance. Many needed some or all of the above. It was the author's belief that these boys could be reclaimed by means of the power of psychological, social, and spiritual anchors. He believed in this so strongly that in addition to pointing it out in the book, he and his colleagues began an initiative within their own workplace to incorporate some of the strategies highlighted in this book, including the monastery model which incorporated spiritual development as part of rehabilitation.